From the Islamic viewpoint, human character is either noble or ignoble. Those who fall into the latter category do not acknowledge any hard and fast principles which are to be adhered to at all times, preferring to allow themselves to be moulded by particular situations and allowing them­selves to be blown in whatever direction the winds of for­tune take them. Theirs is an impulsive, changeable, un­dependable nature.

A man of this type treats with utter contempt anyone whom he considers his inferior, while anyone who appears his superior becomes an object of jealousy. He forges friendships whenever he expects to profit thereby, but adopts an attitude of indifference towards those who do not hold out any promise of advantage. One who treats him well will receive exemplary treatment, but anyone who treats him badly may be sure of even worse treatment in return. If it happens that he succeeds in improving his status, his ar­rogance knows no bounds. But if high status eludes him, he sinks into despair. He is generous to those he likes, but quite the opposite to those he dislikes. He reserves his praise for those who agree with him, but roundly condemns those who disagree.

These are the different aspects of a degraded character. God and His Prophet have commanded believing Muslims to ennoble their characters by first suppressing all such baseness in themselves.

Source: Islam As It Is